Chapter 67

Since it seems more likely that you will read this than the activity report, I will give you an update on my recent situation.

The fifth chapter of the otome game is complete in terms of the plot, and now it's just the fine details. The update is still undecided.

I am currently working on the plot for the new work. I hope to release it during the summer break.

Here's how it goes:

This is the story of Ribia and Anze before they head to the Republic of Arzel.

Ribia is showing a newly enrolled student from a commoner background around the academy. She is holding a file with a black cover in her hands, hugging it tightly as she gives the tour. Ribia looks nervous.

"This is the main building. You will be taking your classes here. The teachers will come to the classroom, basically."

Instead of the students moving to different classrooms, the teachers will come to the classroom to teach. It's a high school-style class system.

The student who asks Ribia a question while she is nervous is a slick-looking boy with his hair swept to the side. His name is Pierre. Yes, Pierre. Not the same Pierre from the Republic.

"Can I ask a question, senpai?"

"Yes, yes!"

"Thank you. Then—"

The reason Ribia is nervous around the underclassmen is that they are not from the same commoner background. While Ribia comes from a remote island, they are from wealthy merchants in the capital or relatively affluent families.

"—Do you have free time after this? How about we have a meal together?"

At the slick Pierre's invitation, Ribia gives a strained smile.

"I-I'm engaged, so it's not possible. Sorry."

The slick Pierre looks disappointed.

"That's a shame. I didn't know you were engaged. I apologize."

Pierre's family is a wealthy merchant household that also engages in trade. Therefore, they were one of the first families to agree when the academy started accepting commoner students.

Pierre comes from a wealthy merchant family that also has connections with the nobility. He is also older than Ribia.

The new students who have gathered are of various ages because they were hastily assembled.

Amidst the giggling of the others, Pierre shrugs.

Meanwhile, a young man is watching Ribia.

His name is Aaron. He has black hair swept back and a delinquent-like aura from his slouching uniform.

"Slick guy. Still, an engaged woman—"

Aaron gives a small smirk as he looks at Ribia's chest, where she is hugging the file.

"To be reincarnated into such an interesting world. It's okay to have a little fun, right?"

Ribia continues her explanation.

"Then, the tour for today is over. We will have a small welcome party for you tonight, so please come."

As Ribia smiles, Aaron mutters, "I'm looking forward to tonight."

Watching Aaron from above is—Clare's reconnaissance drone.

◇

"Oh, it seems someone is already trying to take advantage of Master's absence and make a move on Ribia. Love triangles are a no-go. We need to crush this thoroughly."

Ange, who is reading a book, is surprised by Clare's sudden speech.

"What's going on all of a sudden?"

"It's nothing."

"O-Okay. If it's nothing, don't suddenly start talking. It's a bit of a shock."

Luscion was even more reserved, Ange mutters.

Clare asks Ange a question.

"By the way, don't many people not know that Ribia's fiancé is Master? Is Master unknown to commoners?"

Ange closes the book.

"It's because we got engaged during a busy time. Many people don't know. What's your point?"

"—No, it's nothing. It's fine. No problem."

"Okay."

Ange starts reading again.

Then, as if remembering something,

"Right. Ribia will be late coming home today. I don't think anything will happen, but keep an eye on her."

"Okay."

Clare starts spinning happily.

◇

Night.

At the izakaya where the welcome party is being held.

Aaron is sipping his drink while watching Ribia.

Around him are other delinquent-like boys.

"Hey, Aaron, are you really going to do it?"

"Doesn't she have a fiancé?"

At the boys' words, Aaron gives a smirk.

"Of course. That's what makes it fun. It'll be even more fun to see her fiancé's tearful face."

One of them looks worried.

"The fiancé is a noble."

But Aaron is undeterred.

"After the mass execution, they won't dare to do anything. Besides, I was admitted as a successful adventurer. I'm not afraid of a physical fight."

Aaron was admitted to the academy due to his achievements as an adventurer. He is expected to achieve a status similar to a knight family in the future.

"If I can make her mine, nobles are weak for women. Just look forward to it. I'll let you all have some fun too."

The boys smirk, and then a voice is heard.

"Sorry, but you're—ah-uh-toh."

Aaron turns in surprise, and as he smells a sweet scent, he suddenly feels drowsy and loses consciousness.

The last thing Aaron sees is a single blue eye.

◇

Ribia, who is busy organizing the party, is worried.

"Is everyone enjoying themselves?"

Looking at the tables, she sees some of the boys asleep.

She goes to wake them up, but Clare comes to her side.

"Aaron, you're here?"

"Ange was worried about Ribia and asked me to keep an eye on her."

"Ange worries a bit too much."

Clare only says, "—Yes," and looks at the sleeping boys with a single blue eye.

"Rather, we should take them back. Actually, the people at the nearby table are using the same boys' dormitory. Let's ask them to help."

"But, Aaron, we can't just leave them."

Clare laughs.

"Don't worry. They'll be happy to help. They'll even thank you."

Reluctantly, Ribia goes to ask the people at the table.

When she approaches, the boys are gathered and seem to be having a good time.

"Um—"

The boys become cautious and mostly look away.

But one of them gives Ribia a sharp look.

"What do you want?"

Despite his cold attitude, Ribia is uneasy but looks at their table.

"Actually, a few boys fell asleep. I heard they use the same boys' dormitory—"

At this, the boys' eyes light up.

"So that's it!"

"Leave it to us. We were just about to wrap up anyway."

"We'll take care of it, don't worry."

"This is our job."

"Yeah, that's right!"

"Feel free to leave it to us."

They stand up and head to where Aaron and the others are, pay the bill, and quickly take them away.

Ribia is relieved.

"That's good. They seemed a bit scary, but they were nice, Aaron."

Clare says to Ribia's smile.

"Mission complete."

"Aaron?"

"It's nothing. Nothing at all—"

◇

The next day.

Walking down the boys' dormitory corridor is the slick Pierre.

"My roommate didn't come back. I wonder where he went."

Last night, after returning from the welcome party, his roommate was not there.

While wondering, he plays with his swept-to-the-side bangs when Aaron and the others come from the front.

All three are rubbing their butts.

"It hurts—plus, I don't remember anything."

"Did I drink that much last night?"

"I was surprised to wake up in a senior's room."

Pierre is a bit surprised at the sight of his classmates.

"Are you guys okay?"

Aaron runs his hand through his hair.

"What, it's you, slick guy. I must have drunk too much. I don't remember anything."

Hearing this, Pierre is puzzled.

"S-Sure."

(Huh? I thought he passed out right away? —Hmm?)

In the boys' dormitory corridor.

Pierre sees a blue light by the window but finds nothing when he looks.

(Must be my imagination.)

Aaron is still rubbing his butt.

"Still, my butt hurts. I must have hit it while drunk, but it shouldn't hurt this much. And it feels a bit off."

The three grumble as they head back to their rooms.

Pierre looks in the direction Aaron and the others came from.

(—No way.)

He pushes his bangs up with his hand and decides to return to his room.

Clare (○) "A story to test whether the reader's heart is pure or dirty."

Seedling (°д°)? "—Huh? What happened? Hey, what's this story about?"

Clare (○) "It's a story about a kind senior taking care of a bit of a troublemaker. Nothing more, nothing less. The world of otome games is harsh on side characters, but this is a wholesome, all-ages work. The first volume is on sale. Everyone, please buy it."

Seedling (°∀°) "I don't really understand, but please buy it! Buy it and spread the word about me!"